Kadima most active in advancing disabled rights

Bizchut, an organization that works to advance the rights of people with
disabilities in Israel, published a report Wednesday ranking political parties
according to the number of bills aiding the disabled that they proposed to the
18th Knesset.

At the top of the list is Kadima, with 17 propositions at
its credit. Among them was a bill initiated by MK Yoel Hasson that would provide
tax exemptions on tools used by blind students to help them study in academic
institutions.

In second place, the data shows Yisrael Beytenu had
presented the 18th Knesset with 14 such bills. It is followed by the Likud, with
10 initiatives. One of the bills, proposed by MK Hamed Amer and passed as a law,
introduced the beeping sound signals found on pedestrian traffic lights,
enabling blind people to cross the street safely.

On the bottom of the
list are the Arab Movement for Renewal, National Union and
Independence.

Bizchut, which is also known as the Israel Human Rights
Center for People with Disabilities, said in a statement that seeing Kadima at
the top of the rankings was a nice surprise, considering that the party – unlike
the Likud and Yisrael Beytenu – does not have an MK with disabilities.

In
addition, Kadima has not been known in the past to advance such
issues.

“It’s good and encouraging to see Knesset members from all
parties share the common interest of advancing the rights of people with
disabilities,” Esther Sivan, executive director of Bitzchut, said in a
statement.

The report was presented at the organization’s 20thanniversary
gala, which took place in Jaffa on Thursday night.